ACF cautions states against mismanagement of livestock project funds

AS the Northern States Governors Forum adopted the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP), Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has cautioned states keying into the program against mismanagement of the project fund.

ACF, the frontline northern socio-cultural group while commending the governors of the region for adopting the NLTP, said implementing states must ensure accountability and judicious utilization of the funds for the benefit of the herders.

The forum in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Muhammad Ibrahim said, the NLTP when fully implemented will ensure the resettlement of the dislocated communities in the key conflict areas of the country and also provide an avenue for peaceful dialogue and reconciliation among the herders and farmers.

According to the statement, “The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) commends the Northern States Governors Forum for adopting the National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) at its emergency meeting held in Kaduna on the 12th September 2019.

“The National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) was earlier commissioned by the National Economic Council (NEC) under the chairmanship of the Vice President. It was designed to strengthen and support the livestock activity for improved productivity, pasture production, efficient land and water utilization to ensure livestock management as an economic and socio-cultural activity.

“The NLTP when fully implemented as conceived will ensure the resettlement of the dislocated communities in the key conflict areas of the country and also provide an avenue for peaceful dialogue and reconciliation among the herders and farmers.

“It was for these reasons the NSGF adopted the plan and urged States to key in as a panacea to the current insecurity challenges in particular the rampant herders/farmers unnecessary clashes and also the need to modernize pastoral activities.

“ACF applauds this laudable and courageous decision by the NSGF as it will go along way in not only improving the livestock production but will also ensure peaceful coexistence among herders and farmers especially in the Northern states.

“ACF therefore, hopes that States that key into the program will embrace it holistically to not only benefit from the available NLTP funds, but also ensure accountability and judicious utilization of the funds for the benefit of the herders.

“ACF also appeal to the Federal Government to ensure that states willing to participate in the program are given maximum encouragement through its policy of intervention by way of adequate funding and provision of infrastructure that will not only boost livestock production, but also provide employment opportunities within the livestock value chain.

“ACF therefore calls upon the States Governors, Traditional and Religious leaders, groups and individuals to sensitize Nigerians on the benefits of such laudable programs instead of the unnecessary politicization that usually follows such Government’s projects, conceived for the benefits of Nigerians, as it will do no good to our collective development as a nation.” ACF said.